I made a purse.. and more...

I wanted a new bag but didn't want to take long making it.. I didn't want to use good fabrics either lol So I took a pair of old jeans that was soft and thin.. I took a pattern I received from Jane at ProjectsbyJane .I made it a tad bigger as I liked the shape of the clutch . (Sorry Jane I hacked your pattern! lol ) I used fabric scraps received from Sasha at StitchedbySasha.. thank you Sasha! I used a old purse strap .. and came up with this..HA.

 Like I said I used old fabric for the lining...in case I didn't like the outcome of it.. and wouldn't you know I love this bag!!!Its not even heavy like I thought it would be either.. the strap is adjustable so it can be a shoulder bag or sling bag.

I reused a couple of the pockets too.

I have this much more scraps to get through.. I decided about a week ago I MUST USE THEM .. 

I started off making these...My sister-in-law wanted them. I like the little one hehe.

I ordered more....yes more.. washi tape...this came from HouseofWashi on Etsy.. the dotted piece are little strips ..cute!

hmm what else can I show..

Oh I made home made stain remover !!! and it WORKS! I used about everything to get smashed down jelly out of my carpet.. I found on pinterest this simple solution ..one part hydrogen peroxide, one part baking soda and 2 parts water. Spray it on that nasty stain..( and it was nasty mean too) took a tooth brush at it and poof ... that sucker was gone like a freight train! 

this is good for whitening teeth too.. just a teaspoon of each ingredient with your toothpaste and brush those stains off your choppers! 

I hope everyone state side enjoys their holiday !!! 

Happy birthday America!

My layout.. finally.

Yikes! If it wasn't for my friends, I wouldn't know how to blog!!!! haha Seriously though, for some blonde reason I had switched over to google + account and did not know I did that! Having done that, it switched me to a no-reply comment blogger! NO NO NO !!! I have to be a yes-reply comment blogger! I like reading and responding to my comments from email and it was still letting me do that.. but it wouldn't let another blogger respond to me from the comments.I like having people contacting me through the comments. = 0)  I received this link (from another good bloggy friend!!!) to help me get it switched over.. phew.. what a hassle.. but this page HERE will get it all fixed for you.. well you have to do it but it gives you the step by step info to lead your way!!  A special THANK YOU!!! to Jane and Sasha for helping me with this!!!
Now photo time.. As you know I am a big planner/journal/diary/post it/Filofax/paper/pen nut... among other things.. I got my new Filofax set up pretty much now.. It took me a few weeks to find the right weekly layout I liked.. I reverted back to my original ways.. just simple and printed my own.


This is last weeks. I have the weekly page on the left..  the right is my do to lists and notes.  (the pink dots are for Zoey when I have her)

I guess I should of showed you a before photo.. I started putting washi tape on the top.. so cute! 

I add the squares down the middle.. well as straight as I can... put some stamps on it.. I will alternate with stickers too... I don't like how the stamp ink shows through. but by time I write on the pages its not noticeable..

This is this week's. It already looks like a mess and it is just the first of the week!

On my Today tab I put some stickers I ordered from JapanCorner on Etsy HERE. She has some adorable stickers and tab dividers and monthly layouts for personal and pocket size FF!!

I made me a post it with my daily medicine/ vitamins. I still miss some days! But this has helped me mostly.

 Then the notes page is already ready for my week to check off things! I have my little sewing box too! Not too much to do for Christmas.. I'm sure after the holidays it will be full up as I am going to try to stock up my Etsy store (link over there on the sidebar!!!!)  I want to get back to sewing purses again and trying to sell those.

On the bottom of my pages I have been writing what I'm reading for the week. I use to be able to read about 2 books a week. HA.. no time for that anymore..  OK I might as well show you the tabs.. these are my side tabs.. I made them and they do not stick up very far but I know what they are .. so it don't matter to me.. I use my weekly pages the most.. they are first tab.. then I have notes. I write random things there... and my ORDERS tab.. then I have blog/Etsy , books, (keep track of books I want to read) ADDYS, and VET. then a tab that says TOP SECRET.. for my passwords lol I added a sticky tab for that says CHECKOUT. I write down things I want to look up later. or blogs or something.. I do use a monthly page but just for reference to look up a date or something.. I didn't take pic of that...

 I have top tabs as well!!! I had laminated and made my own monthly tabs but decided it looked messy or something.. so I took them out and just stuck a sticky tab on each month. Better.
I have a page for Filo info... ideas for pages or what nots..

 This is my back page.. not too impressive lol I have a zippy pocket from a Day Runner planner I use to use..

 AND........... looky what I bought!!!Filo had these cute things on sale for 11$ each! with free shipping! They are Petal Pockets.. or Pocket Petals?? They are so little and cute!!! I wish I could use a pocket size but I don't think it would work out with me but never know.. maybe???
I bought one for a friend as a gift.. shhhhhhhhhh I don't think she even reads this!!! I thought I would save one back just to .....hmmm well...........just in case............a gift?? or just to look at it from time to time lol
I noticed I go to my FF first thing (after i start the coffee pot) to check what I have going with my day.. I use to check emails and blogs first.. lol

I have also bought a Holborn slim and use it for my checkbook. I have some diary pages and other inserts/dividers for personal and pocket. I might be able to let go if anyone is interested in them!!

So... thats my set up for my Holborn Personal FF.. I love it..Hope you enjoyed and hung in there with me!! 

Will be posting sewing next post!!!

Stamping it up

I always loved rubber stamps, the littler and cuter the better .. I bought some erasers and tools probably a couple of years ago to try it out.. I tried it... I messed it .. so I put it away until I saw some on a new blog I'm following.   ( Go HERE to see Sachiko's cuteness!) So.. I dragged it all back out and failed again... lol  I can usually craft just about anything, so this bothered me that I couldn't work this out..One thing I can't do is draw, even my stick people look a little on the thin side.. and one thing you need to know a little bit for stamping is knowing how to draw.  I went to Youtube to check out some pros at carving on the erasers. So I made a simple heart and took my time. I got all excited when it was finished that my heart wasnt broken.. or limp... and it actually was curved!!! Long story short and 3 days later I ended up with these..

There is my little heart and a fat cloud and what was suppose to be a apple looks more like a cherry.. so eh.. whatever ....  I made the little squares for little lists on post it notes.. Which the same blog as above uses her's for.. so I had to steal her idea..  you can see how she uses them HERE , down towards the bottom. All left to do is glue them on a piece of wood to give me something to hold when I use them. Oh.. I ordered me self a new sewing machine and got that today.. I got the Janome model 8077. I sewn something up tonight and love it!!! My Singer machine will go to the shop to get surgery.. and will be used for a backup or something.. Its still a good little machine.. My bobbin winder on it was sticking so back after I would wind a bobbin it would set and whirl when I tried to go back to sewing.. blah... Have a good weekend!
P.S... I received my new Pink Domino Filofax yesterday..hehehe.... shhhh don't tell Sasha 

Six wallets finished!

                                  These are now for sale in my Etsy.. !!!!
                                          Got a favorite team???

                                         Or something cute or manly??

                                           
                                                             

                                      phewww I got these done fast! lol

These wallets are my own pattern. I always hated on a hand made wallet how you fold it flat and it all bulky and wonky.. I added 3 rows of stitches on the spine of the wallet.. And I double stitched around the whole thing to give it a bit of a professional look = D      

One day I want to make a PDF pattern of this and ..cough cough.. sell the pattern.. But we will see lol
They are really easy to make and the card slots as you can see are a bit deeper then others. The cards won't peek up above , as I had trouble with them falling out.. so now they stay snug inside the pockets.

 I tried to make a clear I.D. pocket on the bottom but it did not work out well and after I sewed them all up I had a brain fart.. just sew it down ON TOP of the finished card pockets, instead of as a pocket themselves.. get me? I will try it next time.

I made a Ipad / notebook case from Michelle's patterns , but still need to attach the buttons.. I LOVE all her patterns!!! I have several of them!

On my list to do in the near future is a Reversible Lunchtime Pouch by Projectsbyjane . I just bought this pattern and its on sale right now along with her other PDF patterns!  I own all but 2 of her patterns.. lol
Not sure how long her sale will be, so snap to it!
When I look at this bag I think Lego's for some reason!!! SOOOO I might have a idea for a little boy gift this year!!!

I think today I'm being so nice and advertising my favorite crafty people!!! Sasha over on Stitchedbysasha has added LOT of pretty things to her Etsy shop recently!!! Lots of nice eye candy over there! If you are knitter she sells knitting / project bags.. or they can be used for just about everything!

It must be the holiday season coming because I'm on a crack down to sew..My goal is to get every gift I'm making finished by the end of NOVEMBER!!!  I want to relax in December .................and make cookies and candy!!! hehehe

You know me, I can not post anything without a mention of my Z-bug, Zoey.  I like to think of this as a little journal for her to read someday years to come.. and laugh at herself..
But, me and Zoey was in the Dollar Store a few days ago.. I was looking in the clearance aisle.. (my fav aisle) and she was looking at some things on the bottom shelf. ... a few minutes later I heard her say.. Gramma.. do you need some lotion?? I wasn't thinking about what she actually asked.. so I said hmmm no Zoey we have plenty at home.. then I sort of looked down and saw her little hand filled with a BIG glob of lotion.. OHHH MY GOSH !! What else to do?? rub it all in.. her and me!!! LOL She was giggling so hard as I was rubbing it on her tummy and arms.. my arms. my face , ugh.. you get the picture.. I got to laughing as well.. I told her why did you do that?? She said.. it smells good!!! So needless to say we left there smelling very good!!.. Doug asked me if I bought the bottle.. I just blinked and said....no.
I guess I should of huh??? I was just ready to get out of that store.. lol

Monday....with lots of photos!!!

I have no good title for today ....and I've been a bad blogger.. last posted was a month ago..
Just been crazy busy .....

I have had quite a few custom orders for Kindle/ Nook covers.. and with all happy customers!!
I will be making iPad covers soon, because I finally broke down and ordered me , myself and I my own little iPad! yay!!! With some coaching from my friend Sasha and alot of deciding I thought oh heck go for it.. then she twisted my arm.. not that much ... to get the keyboard for it. so well I have to have the keyboard!!! hehehe

I perfected my wallet pattern I was working on for the last few months.. Its a easy wallet but I had it on the back burner for so long and wanted to get it done..I'm hoping to put some of these on my Etsy soon.. Christmas coming and people need to buy some cute crafty gifts!!! = )

I made this one using some leftover fabric I used for a custom Kindle cover... I like geen too =)

 I'm thinking of using snaps on some...
If you can see here I put three stitched lines down the center to make it fold better and not bunch up inside with all your cards and monies (a Zoey word) in it..

 I need to move the top card slot down a bit .. I tried putting a clear front I.D. pocket on the front but it didn't work out..

 Ok as you know I like planners, calendars and all things paper.. I contacted my friend Katrianna over on
prettychaotic.com . She has the cutest planner ! I asked if she could do a custom size for me.. She worked with me and came up with these pages... I LOVE IT.. I like the smaller pages so I can throw it in my bag if need to but big enough to write all my busy days down in.. Lots of cutting, printing and punching the holes.. I can not find a small 6 hole puncher for it yet.. so each hole was with a single puncher.. sigh.. yes..I know...
This is a older dayrunner planner binder I had been using with just plain paper in it.. writing each week and month out.. I think I have just as much time invested in this one too lol but its all worth it.. I like the weekly pages to the left. and have the To Do page on the right.. you have to have lists.... right???

 I like to keep track of my books I read and and want to read so today I printed out this page real fast.. I found it Here from PaperLoveStory .. I think the lines are bit small and its actually for a Filofax size planner.

 My monthly views..

Ok for some fun....

Last weekend we went to a Pow Wow at our local Shakamak State park. It was fun. We took Zoey and she had a blast.. she is SO curious and is in the lots of questions age.. especially the WHY WHY WHY?? after each answer.. One family had stayed in their tee pee and the family invited Zoey inside.. She is petting the furs here lol .

 She loves this little girls outfit.. kept touching it and admiring it.. I think I will have to make her one now!
I asked the little girl to take her picture with Zoey. We got to watch her do her "fire" dance later in the show.. (without fire)

 Here is Zoey and Papaw eating some yummy fries and fry bread..

 She is so photogenic.. but its hard to get her to stay in one place , I had to do this one super fast! and turned out awesome! Doug took a picture of me and Zoey together and I accidently deleted it!!!!! I don't have many of us together either = (

 I can't remember what this man was called.. maybe the medicine doctor? We was told he came all the way down from Canada.. The music was nice as well..

Ready for more pictures?? hehehehe

I almost forgot about my messenger bag pattern I tested for Jane on projectsbyjane . I love her patterns! VERY VERY detailed instructions. This pattern with many others are available on her Etsy shop.

I made this one using the fabric thinking of a one person and sent it to her and she loves it..

 Yes, I know I should of used darker Velcro..

Ok I think I am caught up.. I am getting back to my sewing bug lately and with Christmas around the corner I really need to get busy!!! Especially with all the fabric I have stock piled I can't wait to use it. You can admire it for so long .... 

It was bound to happen….

 

I think my odds were playing against me this week.. all in one day too! But another day came and I finished something I started last week! yay!

Couple of days ago me and Zoey went out to check the tiny baby chickens we purchased so our “pet” chicken could have some friends to gaggle with..or cluck or whatever they do together..

We started keeping them outside in a enclosed and sealed truck topper that set on the ground. It has a hinged door that lifts upwards. I put a large log in front of that so that they couldn’t get out.. well……that wasn’t the problem. It was things getting IN! GRRRR We are thinking a possum or raccoon lifted the door with their little human like hands and helped themselves to chicken dinners.Then I’m sure the stray cat population around me helped themselves to a few… I had the windows open that night and was up reading late and never heard a thing.. Me and Zoey went out to feed them and I saw the door up.. ut oh. I walked towards it and there were little feathers and some yucky stuff laying out.. Zoey saw that and said ewww the chickey pooped.. lol I peeked inside and saw a couple more “pooped out” chickies. I lead her away and said oh they are fine they don’t need to eat today! Sooooooooooo we still have the evil pet chicken left. She was kept in a cage in the garage because kept pecking the heads of the baby ones.. geeez

So we are looking for more baby chickens… I use to throw out scraps to the wild cats and all but no more. They do not have good manners…

Well the day kept getting better.. Me and Zoey went out to feed the fish.. (don’t worry none dead! ) But my cell phone is.. like sunk to the bottom. Zoey likes to about throw herself into the water along the edge. So I’m holding her and  my phone rings.. I lead her away from the edge . She let go of my hand about the time I answered my phone.. It was like slow motion.. I grabbed Zoey back and my phone like JUMPED out of my hand and did a belly dive into my pond. plop.

Me and Zoey just stared at the water. Then she goes… hehehhehe……mamma! OH NOOO YOUR PHONE!!!!!!! and kept babbling something in two year language and shaking her head.. ok, Zoey I get it.. Grandma is silly, but I saved you! lol The she said.. I’m sorry Gramma. awww I said wasn’t your fault.. Me and Doug tried to find it.. that water is cold and stinks.. fish poop..yuck. I said ok I wanted new phone so its gone ..

Later in the day my sister was in a car accident. She is sore but ok. But the guy that rammed her in the rear end isn’t feeling too good. He was air lifted to another hospital. I guess sis was saying she was going the speed limit (60) and she looked at this car speeding up behind her and just thought he would pass her in the other lane.. No I guess he thought the road was only for him and ran right into the back of her car. Next thing she knows glass from the back window flying around her and she bumping into something else.. He was probably yacking on the cell phone,, how can you NOT see a car in front of you?? hmmmm

Ok sorry I’m rambling on again.. I’m sure you have better things to do.. Here is my pictures of the week.. I wanted to make me a new summer purse.. I didn’t know this thing was so mammoth! So maybe it will be my library bag lol

Whadda think??

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I found this tutorial HERE by TeresaDownUnder. I feel in love with the minute I saw it! Then I knew at last what to do with all the scraps Sasha from Stitchedbysasha sent me.(thank you again Sasha!) Then I dug around in my fabric stash for the lining and bottom. Its bigger then I thought it was going to be.. I think I cut the squares down to maybe 6 on each side to make a smaller tote.. I added the pockts inside. I haven’t put a button on the top yet..

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I took the pictures outside today. I have the house closed up as we went from 60 degree weather to 85 weather in one day. So I keep the blinds drawn and the A/C on to keep it cool inside. But Baby was sure enjoying the day outside. She doesn’t tolerate much hot weather. So have to keep a eye on her outside. Her diabetes doesn’t like it. So you know she is spoiled because.. isn’t Chihuahua’s ancestries from Mexico?? lol

Oh last thing.. I was at my local library and well…bought more books at the book sale.. I CAN NOT PASS UP BOOKS! cheap books at that! I bought 6 more! I hope they sell them all before I go back lol

I’m still reading I Know This much is True by Wally Lamb. Its very good.

Have a good week!

Another week..

I made something manly.. and its for me as well…

Doug got a new gun safe and wanted something to put the smaller guns in.. so voila.. I put rivets , grommets or whatever they are in the top and sides to match up the screws in the door. And I did not like putting those little buggers in! But Dougie is happy with it…

I made this little drawstring bag for a friend. I put a clip on the side so  he can clip it to his belt for his arrowhead hunting. (anyone have any REAL arrowheads for sale???)

I totally love the fabric.. Sasha from Stitchedbysasha sent me a little bag of scraps and love trying to find ways to use them.. I got a bigger project in line for most of it.. I made Zoey the alphabet magnets and couldn’t remember if I posted them.. Still need to make more vowels so she can learn to spell of course!! She is doing very well with spelling her name. We are going to work with her colors and writing this summer.

 

Remember I said I tested a pattern for Jane from Projectsbyjane? Here is my final outcome of it. It’s a super cute and easy envelope clutch!!! She wanted to make a pattern for some new beginner sewer’s and I think she did a very good job with this.

It was easy to follow and she always gives very detailed pictures and instructions. You learn to put a magnetic snap this one. I also think putting a regular snap would do good too. I will making a couple more up of these and put them in my “goodie box” for gifts and such.

Go over and check out her Etsy shop HERE  and make sure you check out her other great e patterns and goodies for sale!! She just added some very pretty hand embroidered pouches!! Thank you Jane for letting me test this pattern! ( I secretly hope there are more to test hehehe)

I woke up this morning geared up to sew.. I even cut out and interfaced my fabric’s the night before just so I could go right into sewing.. I did ..sort of.. after checking email, drinking my coffee and reading blogs.. oh and spending time on Pinterest..sigh..by that time I had to let my doggie Baby

(photo of Baby for my new followers to see who Baby is! )

out for her morning walk. It takes her about 45 minutes to check HER pee-mail (hehe) and do the entire 5 acres out back..we have to go down the long lane, around the back of the shed then into the woods then all around my pond.. and if I’m feeling up for it,, back around the front of the house then the garage then finally back in the house.. Remember she is tiny, her legs are tiny, my legs are ….well short.. so it takes about 45 minutes..yep.On days we are having lately I enjoy it but when its cold or very hot out, we do maybe 10 fast walks lol. BUT anyways!!! got back in the house, then got a phone call and Doug’s truck is finished so up town we go to pick that up.. I stopped at the good old IGA store to get cabbage for my home made veggie soup I made for supper tonight. mmm it was good! Then stopped at the post office then back home.. and would you believe Baby was ready to go out again..NO BABY lol she pouted and I felt bad, so out we went for a fast front yard walk..so I ended up doing these…

 

I still need to hand sew the opening up at the bottoms, but I did manage to sew today.. I was working on a headache anyways,I wasn’t too much into it . I had the fabric’s for the back two pouches. but I used some of Sasha’s scraps for the little cute red one in front!! hehe..

I used Keyka lou's pattern for these cuties.. But she changed her pattern page name to Michellepatterns now.I try to snag her patterns when they go on sale !!! I probably have 85% of them lol

Ok I’m outta of here.. The recliner and coffee pot is calling my name.. I will be showing my mom’s new quilts she is working on later in the week. I took pics of them but don’t like how they turned out..

Have a good weekend!